Folding shelf unit for a locker

ABSTRACT

A shelf unit for a metallic locker, including a shelf having an adjustable width between its sides, a reinforcing flange depending downwardly around the periphery of the shelf, and first and second leg units. The shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of the metallic locker. The first and second leg units are secured to opposite shelf sides for pivoting about pivot axes defined by the flange. Each of the leg units is pivotable between a storage position parallel with the shelf and a supporting position at right angles to the shelf. Each of the leg units consists of a pair of legs pivotally secured at their heads adjacent opposite ends of the shelf side, a foot portion between the feet of the legs, and a magnet for attaching to the side walls of the metallic locker.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed toward shelf units, and particularly toward shelf units usable in lockers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART

Lockers are widely used in a variety of places, including schools, airports, bus stations, etc. Some uses are relatively transient, short term or infrequent. For example, locker type structures may be used for long or short term storage by individuals, where access to the stored materials is only infrequently had. However, in many cases the lockers are used over a long period of time, with the user making frequent access to the locker. Schools are a common example where lockers are so used, with a student keeping a specific locker for an entire school year and going into their locker to place or retrieve items (e.g., books, coats, boots, etc.) multiple times each school day. Each locker may be used in that manner for decades by scores of different students. Of course, in such facilities where frequent use is expected over a period of years, the lockers are typically made of a suitable strong and durable material such as steel or other hard metals.

While many school lockers will have, for example, a shelf at the top of the locker, many students using such lockers wish to have the ability to organize items in their locker to a greater extent than that single shelf may permit. Therefore, students have heretofore added their own shelf units at the bottom of their lockers. Such shelf units have been, for example, free standing structures which extend across less than the full width of the locker, where the structure is put into the locker fully assembled. Still other shelf units have been used which require assembly within the locker. While those shelf units have the advantage of permitting the shelves to potentially span substantially the full width of the locker (i.e., since the door opening of the locker is typically narrower than the locker interior space, full-width pre-assembled units may be difficult to get into the locker), units which require assembly in the locker can be difficult to assemble and can be relatively flimsy even after assembled.

The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a shelf unit for a locker is provided, including a shelf having a depth and an adjustable width between its sides, and leg units pivotably secured adjacent the sides of the shelf. The leg units are each pivotable between a first position substantially parallel with the shelf and a second position at substantially right angles to the shelf.

In one form of this aspect of the present invention, each leg unit has a pair of legs each having a head on one end and a foot on the other end with a foot portion between the feet of the legs. The legs on the head are pivotally secured adjacent opposite ends of the shelf side. In a further form, the foot portion of at least one leg unit is magnetic for attaching to the side walls of the metallic locker, and in a still further form the shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker. In another further form, the legs and foot portions are a first material, with magnets secured to the foot portions, and in a further form the first material is plastic. In yet another further form, a head portion is between the head of the legs of each leg unit, whereby the leg units are rectangular.

In another form of this aspect of the present invention, at least one of the leg units is magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker.

In yet another form of this aspect of the present invention, the shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker.

In still another form of this aspect of the present invention, one leg unit is pivotably secured to one shelf side about a first pivot axis and the other leg unit is pivotably secured to the other shelf side about a second pivot axis, and the first and second axes are spaced an unequal distance from the top of the shelf. In a further form, the shelf has a reinforcing flange depending downwardly from its top around the periphery, and the pivot axes are defined by the flange. In another further form, a notch is provided in the legs adjacent their head whereby, when pivoted down, the legs present a side face substantially aligned with the face of the reinforcing flange along the shelf sides. In yet another further form, the first position of the leg units is a storage position, and the pivot axes are spaced sufficiently relative to the thickness of the leg units to allow overlapping of the leg units in the storage position and, in a still further form, the flange along the shelf sides has a height substantially equal to the thickness of the leg units when overlapping in the storage position.

In another aspect of the present invention, a shelf unit for a metallic locker is provided, including a shelf having a depth and an adjustable width between its sides, a reinforcing flange depending downwardly around the periphery of the shelf, and first and second leg units pivotably secured adjacent the sides of the shelf. The shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of the metallic locker. Each of the leg units is pivotable between a storage position substantially parallel with the shelf and a supporting position at substantially right angles to the shelf. Further, each of the leg units have (1) a pair of legs each having a head on one end and a foot on the other end with the legs on the head being pivotally secured adjacent opposite ends of the shelf side, (2) a foot portion between the feet of the legs, and (3) a magnet for attaching to the side walls of the metallic locker. The first leg unit is pivotably secured to one shelf side about a first pivot axis and the second leg unit is pivotably secured to the other shelf side about a second pivot axis, and the pivot axes are defined by the flange.

In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the legs and foot portions are plastic, and the foot portions each include a magnet secured to the plastic.

In another form of this aspect of the present invention, a head portion is between the head of the legs of each leg unit, whereby the leg units are rectangular.

In still another form, a notch is in the legs adjacent their head whereby, when pivoted down, the legs present a side face substantially aligned with the face of the reinforcing flange along the shelf sides.

In yet another form of this aspect of the present invention, the first and second pivot axes are spaced an unequal distance from the top of the shelf whereby the leg units overlap when in the storage position. In a further form, the flange along the shelf sides has a height substantially equal to the thickness of the leg units when overlapping in the storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one shelf unit according to the present invention, with its legs folded up in a storage position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 shelf unit, with the legs being folded down to a supporting position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shelf unit according to the present invention with its legs in a supporting position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the FIG. 3 shelf unit with the shelf being adjusted to have a greater width;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A shelf unit 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in the Figures, and is illustrated in a plurality of configurations in FIGS. 1-4. In the advantageous embodiment illustrated, the shelf unit 10 includes a shelf 14 and two leg units 16, 18. The leg units 16, 18 in this embodiment each include a pair of legs or column portions 20, each of which have a head 22 on the upper end. A foot portion 24 extends between the lower end of the legs 20.

The shelf 14 may include raised portions 28 to define a textured surface thereon. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the shelf 14 could also or alternatively include openings therethrough to allow dirt and the like to pass through without accumulating on the shelf 14.

A lip 30 may also be provided around the perimeter of the shelf 14 to assist in maintaining items on the shelf 14 and to provide some reinforcement against bending of the shelf 14.

Further, the shelf 14 may consist of two suitably telescoping shelf portions 32, 34 (see particularly FIG. 4) allowing the width between the sides of the shelf 14 to be adjusted. For example, as illustrated, one shelf portion 32 may be configured to slidably fit over the other shelf portion 34, with suitable slots 36 in the sides of the one shelf portion 32 receiving and guiding pins 38 projecting from the other shelf portion 34, and suitable slots 40 in the other shelf portion 34 receiving screws 42 extending through the slots 40 and secured to the one shelf portion 32 (see FIG. 5). It should be appreciated, however, that the adjustability of the width of the shelf could be provided in a wide variety of different ways within the broad scope of the present invention. Moreover, it should also be appreciated that this adjustability of width is functionally advantageous with the present invention as described in greater detail hereinafter.

The leg units 16, 18 are suitably pivotally secured to the shelf portions 34, 32, respectively, as by pins 50, 52 projecting from the leg units 16, 18 into axis defining holes on opposite sides of the shelf portions 32, 34. Specifically, one leg unit 16 is pivotably secured to one side of the shelf 14 about a first pivot axis and the other leg unit 18 is pivotably secured to the other shelf side about a second pivot axis, where the first and second pivot axes may be advantageously spaced an unequal distance from the top of the shelf 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the leg units 16, 18 may therefore be pivoted up against the bottom of the shelf 14 into a compact storage position.

The leg units 16, 18 and shelf 14 may be suitably formed from a strong, lightweight plastic, with suitable reinforcing ribs 54 (see FIGS. 5-6) to provide sufficient strength in a lightweight and easy to manufacture structure.

Further, the shelf portions 32, 34 may include downwardly depending reinforcing flanges 56. The axis defining holes may be provided in the flanges 56. By providing an advantageous vertical spacing of the first and second pivot axes (i.e., a spacing which, given the thickness of the leg units 16, 18, is sufficient to allow overlapping of the leg units 16, 18 when in the storage position), the leg units 16, 18 may be advantageously pivoted to a storage position in which the leg units 16, 18 are substantially parallel and overlapping beneath the shelf 14 and surrounded (and protected) by the flanges 56. The flange 56 around the shelf 14 and along the shelf sides may advantageously have a height substantially equal to the thickness of the leg units 16, 18 when overlapping in the storage position to provide maximum reinforcement for the shelf 14 while also protecting the leg units 16, 18 in the storage position and providing an advantageously compact unit 10 in that position (e.g., for storage, shipping and shelf display).

From the storage position (FIG. 1), the shelf unit 10 may be changed to a supporting position (as in FIGS. 3-4) by first pivoting the bottom-most leg unit 16 downward (see arrow 60 in FIG. 2), and then pivoting the other leg unit 18 downward (see arrow 62 in FIG. 2).

From the supporting position (FIGS. 3-4), the leg unit 18 which is pivoted about an axis closest to the top of the shelf 14 may be first pivoted upward into a storage position against the bottom of the shelf 14, and the other leg unit 16 may thereafter be pivoted up against (and generally parallel to) leg unit 18 in the storage position (FIG. 1).

It should be appreciated that the compact storage position is not only commercially advantageous with respect to product handling, but it is also ideal for students to transport to their locker for placing therein. That is, not only is the compact size convenient, but it also allows the students to carry it unobtrusively, which is important to some students who are afraid of carrying something which might cause them to not look “cool” to others (particularly at the uneasy start of a new school year when such items are typically taken to school for use in their new locker). Further, it should be appreciated that the shelf unit 10 when taken to a locker for use may be quickly and easily installed by even young students with just a few steps requiring no assembly of parts.

Suitable magnets may advantageously be provided in the leg units 16, 18 and the shelf 14, such as the illustrated bar magnets 70 in the flanges 56 at the sides of the shelf 14 and the bar magnets 72 illustrated in the foot portion 24 of the leg units 16, 18 (though only one of each magnet 70, 72 is shown in the figures, the same magnets are provided on the opposite side). Suitable pockets or other supporting structures (e.g., adhesives) may be provided in the shelf 14 and foot portions 24 for securing the magnets 70, 72 thereto.

The upper ends of the legs 20 may also advantageously be provided with a notch so that, when pivoted down, the legs 20 present a side face substantially aligned with the face of the reinforcing flange 56 along the shelf sides, as opposed to being recessed (see particularly FIGS. 3 and 4). In this manner, the space beneath the shelf 14 may be maximized (by maximizing the spacing between the vertical leg units 16, 18) in the supporting position, and the magnets 72 in the foot portions 24 may also be reliably positioned flush against the sides of the locker.

Further, a flexible downwardly depending tab 80 may be provided on each side of the bottom of the shelf 14 (see FIGS. 5-6), with a slot 82 provided in the upper portion of the leg units 16, 18, whereby the tabs 80 are received in the slots 82 when the leg units 16, 18 are pivoted to the storage position, to assist in securing the leg units 16, 18 in that position.

It should be appreciated that this structure can be easily installed by simply placing the unit inside a locker, folding the leg units 16, 18 down and then expanding the width of the shelf 14 until its sides expand out to the opposite sides of the locker, in which position the magnets 70, 72 will provide a positive feel that the unit 10 is properly in position. The magnets will also not only help maintain the unit 10 in that position, but will also ensure that the legs 20 remain vertically oriented so that they may provide maximum (compressive) supporting strength. Further, the telescoping nature of the shelf 14 allows the unit 10 to be easily placed into a locker which has a front opening narrower than the locker interior, while still providing a supporting surface which extends the full width of the locker interior.

It should also be appreciated that the leg units 16, 18 of the shelf unit 10 of the present invention could be configured differently than shown. For example, more or different magnets 72 may be provided on the legs 20, or foot portions 24, and of different sizes than illustrated, while still maintaining the advantages of some aspects of the present invention. In addition, magnet(s) 72 could be secured to the leg units 16, 18 differently than illustrated in the figures (e.g., by mechanical connection, integral formation with the leg, or by the entire leg itself being magnetic). Moreover, it should be appreciated that some aspects of the advantages of the present invention could be obtained if only a single leg unit 16 or 18 is magnetic, or if the legs 20 were themselves separate (e.g., not connected by foot portions 24).

Further, it should be appreciated that the present invention may be used in shelf units having less or more than four legs, and with legs at other than the corners of the shelf. It should also be appreciated that the legs 20 could be adjustable in length (e.g., by telescoping) so as to provide a different, selectable height, if desired.

Still other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims. It should be understood, however, that the present invention could be used in alternate forms where less than all of the objects and advantages of the present invention and preferred embodiment as described above would be obtained. 

1. A shelf unit for a locker, comprising: a shelf having a depth and an adjustable width between its sides; leg units pivotably secured adjacent the sides of said shelf, said leg units each being pivotable between a first position substantially parallel with said shelf and a second position at substantially right angles to said shelf.
 2. The shelf unit of claim 1, wherein each leg unit comprises: a pair of legs each having a head on one end and a foot on the other end, said legs on said head being pivotally secured adjacent opposite ends of the shelf side; and a foot portion between the feet of said legs.
 3. The shelf unit of claim 2, wherein the foot portion of at least one leg unit is magnetic for attaching to the side walls of the metallic locker.
 4. The shelf unit of claim 3, wherein said shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker.
 5. The shelf unit of claim 2, wherein said legs and foot portions comprise a first material, and further include magnets secured to said first material of said foot portions.
 6. The shelf unit of claim 5, wherein said first material is plastic.
 7. The shelf unit of claim 2, further comprising a head portion between the head of said legs of each leg unit, whereby said leg units are rectangular.
 8. The shelf unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of said leg units is magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker.
 9. The shelf unit of claim 1, wherein said shelf sides are magnetic for attaching to the side wall of a metallic locker.
 10. The shelf unit of claim 1, wherein one leg unit is pivotably secured to one shelf side about a first pivot axis and the other leg unit is pivotably secured to the other shelf side about a second pivot axis, and said first and second pivot axes are spaced an unequal distance from the top of said shelf.
 11. The shelf unit of claim 10, wherein said shelf has a reinforcing flange depending downwardly from its top around the periphery, and said pivot axes are defined by said flange.
 12. The shelf unit of claim 11, further comprising a notch in said legs adjacent their head whereby, when pivoted down, said legs present a side face substantially aligned with the face of the reinforcing flange along the shelf sides.
 13. The shelf unit of claim 11, wherein said first position of said leg units is a storage position, and said pivot axes are spaced sufficiently relative to the thickness of said leg units to allow overlapping of said leg units in said storage position.
 14. The shelf unit of claim 13, wherein said flange along said shelf sides has a height substantially equal to the thickness of said leg units when overlapping in said storage position.
 15. A shelf unit for a metallic locker, comprising: a shelf having a depth and an adjustable width between its sides, said shelf sides being magnetic for attaching to the side wall of the metallic locker; a reinforcing flange depending downwardly around the periphery of said shelf; first and second leg units pivotably secured adjacent the sides of said shelf, each of said leg units being pivotable between a storage position substantially parallel with said shelf and a supporting position at substantially right angles to said shelf, and each of said leg units having a pair of legs each having a head on one end and a foot on the other end, said legs on said head being pivotally secured adjacent opposite ends of the shelf side, a foot portion between the feet of said legs, and a magnet for attaching to the side walls of the metallic locker; wherein said first leg unit is pivotably secured to one shelf side about a first pivot axis and said second leg unit is pivotably secured to the other shelf side about a second pivot axis, and said pivot axes are defined by said flange.
 16. The shelf unit of claim 15, wherein said legs and foot portions are plastic, and said foot portions each include a magnet secured to said plastic.
 17. The shelf unit of claim 15, further comprising a head portion between the head of said legs of each leg unit, whereby said leg units are rectangular.
 18. The shelf unit of claim 15, further comprising a notch in said legs adjacent their head whereby, when pivoted down, said legs present a side face substantially aligned with the face of the reinforcing flange along the shelf sides.
 19. The shelf unit of claim 15, wherein said first and second pivot axes are spaced an unequal distance from the top of said shelf whereby said leg units overlap when in said storage position.
 20. The shelf unit of claim 19, wherein said flange along said shelf sides has a height substantially equal to the thickness of said leg units when overlapping in said storage position. 